Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
